Sandra‘s Closet

I spent quite some time in Boston, Massachusetts during the past two years as my daughter studies here and I love to visit her. The city has grown on me so much and I have become an absolute fan. If you haven’t been here, I truly recommend coming to explore the town. Boston is one of the most historic cities in the United States. Known as the «Cradle of Modern America,» the American Revolution started right here at the Boston Tea Party and it can still be felt at every cobblestone corner. It is also the only state capital in the contiguous United States with an oceanic coastline.

Where to stay when you come to visit? I absolutely love The Newbury Boston which is one of my favorite hotels worldwide. This historic landmark in Boston, originally opened in 1927 as The Ritz-Carlton Hotel at that time. The property anchors fashionable Newbury Street and the picturesque Boston Public Garden, located in the heart of the Back Bay. High end luxury shopping is in front of the door, with iconic houses, such as CHANEL, Hermès and Bulgari being just across the hotel. After a complete refurbishment under the creative vision of renowned designers Ken Fulk, Jeffrey Beers, and Alexandra Champalimaud and being renamed The Newbury Boston, it opened its doors again in May 2021.

The slogan is «a well-crafted life, a century in the making.» Being part of the «Leading Hotels of the World», the hotel embodies the very essence of Boston. Designed for both business and leisure travel, the concept is about approachable, everyday glamour, where modern comfort meets layered luxury in the heart of the vibrant city.

The rooms are stunning. I stayed in different categories and liked them all. Some suites even come with a cozy wood burning fireplace. However, I enjoy my Grand Suite accommodation the most with its spacious footprint and stunning views over the park. It features a separate living room with a large bay window, a seating area and large sofa plus extra chairs. At the entrance, there is a separate work area with a desk overlooking the prestigious tree-lined residential Commonwealth Avenue. The suite also has a mini kitchen with coffee maker, sink and fridge.

Next to the bedroom, there is a separate closet area with great mirrors on the way to the bathroom, which is huge with an elegant pale granite. You can enjoy a walk-in shower and a large bathtub in the middle. The whole concept of the suite feels like an actual apartment which I absolutely adore. Sitting in front of the large window at the table, working and indulging in the change of the season is absolutely stunning.

Personally speaking, the olfactory experience in luxury hotels is just as important as the interior design. Therefore, The Newbury Boston has partnered with Byredo to create a custom scent for the bath amenities. Inspired by The Boston Public Garden, Willow incorporates notes of the local flora – namely Bergamot, Aldehydes, Musk and Amber. It is such a beautiful scent to indulge in that also fills the rooms and corridors. Being evocative of the city and available only within the hotel walls, you can also buy it to transport you back to your memorable stay, even when you are at home.

The culinary concept at The Newbury Boston is extremely refined and offers great options. It is home to Contessa, Boston’s most sought after dining experience and definitely the most trending hot spot, located on the 17th floor of the hotel with stunning views overlooking the city. The staff is extremely attentive. Contessa restaurant is a MUST when you are in town— a true see-and-be-seen spot! Don’t miss the famous squash carpaccio.

With Carlos Bueno – Managing Director – The Newbury Boston – at the Street Bar

If you prefer a quick bite, I recommend a cobb salad or the spicy pink lobster chowder at the Street Bar, which is another favorite of mine. Located next to the hotel entrance, this bar bridges past and present. Here you can enjoy the cozy interior while looking outside the window seeing the stylish Bostonian crowd passing by. It is also a great spot for having drinks at night.

If you are a tea time lover, you won’t be disappointed at The Newbury Hotel. Perched upon the second story, overlooking treetops and luxury boutiques on Newbury Street, The Newbury Salon is the setting for the signature Afternoon Tea, a ritual reclamation perfect for the ultimate every day and occasioned party.

After all these culinary experiences, you might want to hit the gym which is located on the 3rd floor. Being yery spacious, it is overlooking Commonwealth Avenue. Here, you can maintain your fitness routine at this state-of-the-art Fitness Center. Designed by Jay Wright, who is behind several high-end fitness centers in luxury residential projects, the space is equipped with Life Fitness and Freemotion equipment, Peloton bikes, TRX suspension trainers, yoga mats and blocks, free weights, resistance bands, and more.

The Newbury Boston is such a wonderful place to stay with a homey feel in a great part of the city that I can absolutely recommend. I am writing this post in front of the large window… and honestly never want to leave.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht 
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Arriving perfectly dressed for the new season, the S/S 2022 Prêt-à-Portea collection at The Berkeley London showcases couture cakes inspired by designers from Lanvin to Gucci. A contemporary twist on afternoon tea, this playful and stylish edit is set to become another favourite for sweet-toothed fashionistas.

This season’s collection opens with Oscar de la Renta – a striking orange gown crafted with apricot bavarois, salted Manuka honey and apricot ganache, topped with a meringue frill. A hero handbag from Michael Kors – whose bags were seen filled with flowers on the catwalk – has been created as a Victoria sponge with fresh strawberry jam, wrapped in an Opalys chocolate cylinder with flowers intricately piped with lime butter cream.

Gucci’s pink silk tuxedo has been reimagined in bourbon vanilla mousse and Emmanuel sponge, layered with peach compote and glazed with shimmering pink icing. This is finished with a thin chocolate jacket and bow tie. Meanwhile, Lanvin’s towering floral platform heels will stomp down the cakewalk made from chocolate biscuit, painstakingly piped with royal icing.

Schiaparelli’s couture golden mini dress combines caramel sponge, dark Valrhona chocolate and hazelnut praline, all topped with a shimmering, chocolate oversized collar. Richard Quinn’s buttercup yellow gown is immortalised in ice cream – chocolate wafer cones are filled with fresh fruit compote and pineapple and star anise sorbet, topped with bright yellow chocolate waves.

Finally, the Prêt-à-Portea pastry team have created a showstopper of a cake – designed to share – paying homage to Saint Laurent’s floral jumpsuit. An oversized red rose made of lychee mousse with fresh raspberry is set on a glossy white coconut cake, and finished with a green chocolate leaf.

As always, the tea also includes elegant canapés and sandwiches, with a selection of loose-leaf teas from the extensive collection.
Afternoon Tea is served Monday – Sunday: 1pm – 5.30pm.

Cannot wait to be back in London!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © The Berkeley and Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Happy 1st Advent! I love this time of the year when it is cold outside and you enjoy the coziness of your home. Decorating for Christmas is somethings I truly adore. In Zurich, I love passing by Globus to look for new baubles and gift ideas. Each year, they celebrate a new motto, now it is time to welcome the «Grand Hotel Globus»! Get inside the 5-star Christmas world…

Christmas world at Globus Bellevue in Zurich

My favorite: Lobster Bauble, CHF 24.90

So fun: Champagne Bucket Bauble, CHF 19.90

Great gift ideas…

THE HOTEL BAR.
N°01 Pineapple Mug / Shot Glass, CHF 29.90/12.90 / Shaker, CHF 54.90 / Bowl, CHF 6.90
N°02 Cigar Box with Cutter, CHF 299.00
N°03 Bottle Opener Anker, CHF 14.90
N°04 Whisky Glass, CHF 7.90
N°05 Le Tribute Gin with Tonic, CHF 119.00
N°06 Bar Spoon, CHF 15.90
N° 07 Backgammon, CHF 19.90
N°08 Tray, CHF 139.90
N°09 Strainer, CHF 22.90
N°10 Jigger, CHF 20.90
N°11 Cocktail Shaker, CHF 75.90

THE AFTERNOON-TEA.
N°01 Teapot, CHF 29.90
N°02 Bell Jar, CHF 39.90
N°03 Pastry Tong, CHF 29.90
N°04 Tea-Light Holder, CHF 12.90
N° 05 Champagne Bowl, CHF 19.90
N° 06 Champagne Truffes, CHF 6.60
N° 07 Seat of 4 Teaspoons, CHF 24.90
N° 08 Laurent Perrier Cuvée Rosé Brut Limited Edition, CHF 99.90
N° 09 Grand Hotel Napkins, CHF 6.90
N° 10 Mules by Emanuela Caruso, CHF 299.00

From now on you can take the afternoon tea literally at Globus Bellevue‘s newly opened restaurant «tartar» on the first floor. Top chef Nenad Mlinarevic offers all sorts of culinary treats including the signature dish tartar in all sorts of interpretations.

«tartar» restaurant lead by top chef Nenad Mlinarevic

Moreover, besides Kiehl’s, Acqua di Parma, Aerin Lauder and Molton Brown, Globus Bellevue has expanded its product range. Tom Ford, Jo Malone London and Le Labo are now all available there. For the latter it is the first point of sale in Switzerland.

Have fun strolling through this beautiful Christmas world – for my foreign readers, I hope you could seek a little inspiration for your home as well.

Happy Sunday!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Globus and © Sandra Bauknecht

This spring, you could enjoy a special Jimmy Choo themed afternoon tea at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Hong Kong. This fashion afternoon tea featured tempting items such as edible miniature high heels and sandwiches made to resemble the design of the CAYLA clutch.

Cayla studded snake clutch by Jimmy Choo

Who could resist those mouth-watering savoury bites such as Foie Gras High Heels on Crispy Brioche Bread or sweet temptations like Milk Chocolate High Heels filled with Lemon and Chocolate Biscuits. For more information, please call MO Bar at +852 2132 0077.

In case that you won’t make it to Hong Kong, check out the Prêt-à-PorTea at the Berkeley Hotel in London.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of The Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong and Jimmy Choo

The Berkeley London designer afternoon tea, Prêt-à-Portea, is inspired by the themes and colours of the fashion world. The menu is transformed every six months to follow the changing seasons in fashion. All served on fine-bone china by Paul Smith for Thomas Goode.

The new S/S 2012 collection sees designers such as Dolce & Gabbana, Jason Wu and Valentino grace the Berkeley’s tea stand as Prêt-à-Portea adds a creative twist to the classic elements of the traditional English afternoon tea with cakes and pastries resembling the latest catwalk designs for the style conscious.

Prêt-à-Portea is served in the Caramel Room daily from 1pm to 6pm.

Christian Louboutin must have neon yellow high heeled chocolate biscuit with signature red sole
Jason Wu romantic cherry bavarois and coconut cream topped with playful pink skirt and biscuit heel
Mulberry white chocolate crème de menthe and raspberry mousse topped with a lemon meringue
Miu Miu 1950’s inspired vanilla bikini biscuit with red hot icing and playful white bow

Valentino romantic peach cake dress with light pink champagne jelly and edible flower
Fendi nautical red and white striped vanilla cake filled with fraise des bois cremeux accessorized with oversized yellow button
Michael Kors safari opera cake with dark chocolate and mocha filling topped with signature leopard print
Dolce & Gabbana light blue Sicilian blueberry sponge cake wicker basket wrapped in chocolate
Gucci art deco Grand Marnier and dark Valrhona chocolate mousse embellished with golden beads

And for those who are still hungry, a mouth-watering selection of miniature savoury skewers, taster spoons, elegant canapés and tea sandwiches is served.

I truly enjoyed this fashionable tea time. 
For Prêt-à-Portea reservations, please call +44 (0)20 7107 8866.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Berkeley Hotel and © Sandra Bauknecht